God Knows What He is Talking About: Using Secular Data to Show That Cohabitation is a Detriment to Individuals and Society

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Abstract

Every pastor is familiar with the issue of premarital cohabitation. It is becoming one of the
biggest enemies of traditional marriage in our society today. The bad news is that it’s not going
anywhere anytime soon. In fact, cohabitation rates have increased more than seventeen-fold over
the course of 50 years. How can marriage come out on top? The Bible is, without a doubt, the
most important resource in the fight against the sin of cohabitation. Unfortunately, some people
will not listen to the testimony of God alone as a reason to not live together. So, are there other
resources that can help prove the case for marriage and against cohabitation? This thesis, first of
all, will compare what Scripture says about marriage with what it has to say about living together
outside of marriage. It will then examine how cohabitation has woven itself so deeply into the
lives of so many people. It will also address the negative effects cohabitation has on those
involved in the relationship. Finally, it will discuss how those in the church can use this
information in a God-pleasing way. Above all, this thesis will demonstrate that secular data
provides valuable assistance as Christians look to counsel those who are living together outside
of marriage.